Week 32 Tech Digest – PCIe 6 SSDs, Wi-Fi 7 Travel Routers, Unraid 7.2, SanDisk 256TB SSD, QNAP AI Tools & More

Here’s the Weekly Tech Digest covering standout developments from August’s first week in enterprise storage, NAS innovation, next-gen SSDs, and AI infrastructure. This edition features major OS releases from Unraid and Proxmox, breakthrough SSD launches from Micron and SanDisk, and exciting new AI assistant tools from QNAP. Let’s dive into the first five highlights.

Unraid OS 7.2.0-beta.1 Brings Responsive WebGUI, ZFS RAIDZ Expansion, and Open API

Unraid has released version 7.2.0-beta.1, introducing its most comprehensive update yet for the popular home and SMB storage OS. The standout feature is a fully responsive webGUI, finally enabling seamless access across desktop and mobile devices. For advanced users, the update delivers long-awaited support for ZFS RAIDZ expansion, allowing single-vdev RAIDZ pools to grow drive-by-drive. Additionally, native Ext2/3/4 and NTFS support expands compatibility with legacy drives.

A fully open-source Unraid API is now integrated into the OS, enabling developers to create tools or mobile apps that interact directly with the system. Beta versions of a new Flutter-powered Unraid Mobile App and Home Assistant integration are already available. On the virtualization side, the VM Manager now detects hardware changes and supports advanced multi-monitor setups. Networking improvements include IPv6 ULA support for Docker and new terminal tools. This release is packed with fixes and feature enhancements, from better UPS integration to SSH key formatting and secure webGUI access via optional SSO login.

Unraid OS 7.2.0-beta.1 is a public beta, intended for testing—not production environments.

Source: Unraid

QNAP Launches MCP Assistant: Natural Language NAS Management Enters Beta

QNAP has unveiled MCP Assistant, a new natural language control tool for its NAS systems, designed around the Model Context Protocol (MCP) standard. Now in beta, MCP Assistant enables users to manage their NAS via everyday language without needing prior technical knowledge. Tasks such as creating shared folders, managing users, checking system status, and performing advanced semantic searches can be executed through simple spoken or written commands.

This innovation makes QNAP the first NAS manufacturer to adopt MCP—a standard that’s gaining traction in AI platforms like Claude Desktop and n8n. MCP Assistant supports contextual understanding, cross-platform compatibility, and robust security with token-based authorization. QNAP emphasizes enterprise readiness, with integration into common developer tools, offering a scalable AI control interface for both prosumers and IT professionals.

MCP Assistant beta is available now for select QNAP NAS users. Its integration marks a significant shift toward AI-native IT infrastructure management, reducing friction for administrators and making complex NAS operations significantly more accessible.

Source: QNAP

Micron Launches PCIe Gen 6 SSDs for Servers, Featuring TLC NAND and 30.72TB Capacities

Micron has introduced its 6950 Pro and Max series SSDs featuring PCIe 6.0 and NVMe 2.0 interfaces, targeted squarely at server environments. Available in E3.S and E1.S form factors, these enterprise-grade drives are built on Micron’s G9 generation TLC NAND and include onboard DRAM cache. The Pro series is optimized for read-heavy workloads, while the Max series provides additional overprovisioning to handle intensive write operations.

Initial capacities for the Pro line range from 7.68 TB to 30.72 TB, while the Max line offers 6.4 TB to 25.6 TB configurations. Both leverage up to four PCIe 6.0 lanes, offering massive throughput potential that far exceeds PCIe Gen 4 or Gen 5 SSDs, particularly in AI, virtualization, and large-scale database environments.

Although desktop adoption of PCIe 6.0 is years away, server and data center deployments stand to benefit immediately. With thermal considerations being top of mind, the drives are also available in water-cooled or compact air-cooled versions, reinforcing their server-first design.

Source: Micron

Backblaze Q2 2025 Drive Stats Highlight 20TB+ HDD Reliability Trends

Backblaze’s Q2 2025 Drive Stats report offers a deep dive into the health of its massive HDD fleet—over 317,000 active drives—with a new spotlight on the reliability of 20TB+ enterprise drives. While the overall quarterly failure rate dipped slightly to 1.36%, significant improvements were seen in previously high-AFR models like the Seagate ST12000NM0007, which dropped from 9.47% in Q1 to 3.58% in Q2.

For the first time, Backblaze presents in-depth lifetime stats for 20TB+, 22TB, and 24TB drives from Toshiba, WDC, and Seagate, respectively. WDC’s 22TB WUH722222ALE6L4 stood out with exceptionally low failure rates (<0.57%) over 22 months. By contrast, Seagate’s 24TB model saw more variation but remained within acceptable limits. Backblaze also provided a comparative analysis between 20TB+ drives and their 14–16TB predecessors, concluding that newer drives are maturing well but still need time for long-term verdicts.

This dataset offers invaluable insights for storage administrators assessing the cost vs. reliability of scaling to higher capacities in enterprise environments.

Source: Backblaze

SanDisk Unveils UltraQLC 256TB SSD for AI and Data Lake Workloads

SanDisk has revealed its largest SSD to date: a 256TB NVMe drive, built on the company’s new UltraQLC architecture. Designed for AI, big data, and real-time analytics, this SSD utilizes BiCS8 QLC NAND with a 2TB per-die density, a Direct Write QLC mode for bypassing traditional SLC caching, and Dynamic Frequency Scaling for better power efficiency.

The UltraQLC platform also introduces a scalable multi-core controller, improved data retention profiling, and a revised endurance model tailored for extreme-density environments. These innovations aim to deliver stable performance with minimal latency while optimizing for energy usage in hyperscale data centers.

The drive will be available in U.2 format in both 128TB and 256TB capacities by mid-2026, marking a pivotal step toward ultra-dense flash storage replacing HDDs in AI and cloud-scale infrastructures.

Source: SanDisk

PCI-SIG Unveils PCIe 8.0 Spec: 256 GT/s Bandwidth Arrives by 2028

The PCI Special Interest Group (PCI-SIG) has announced PCIe 8.0, doubling the raw bandwidth of PCIe 7.0 to 256 GT/s, with bi-directional throughput reaching up to 1 TB/s in x16 configurations. Targeted for release to members by 2028, the new standard aligns with PCI-SIG’s cadence of doubling bandwidth every three years and aims to meet the performance needs of AI, quantum computing, and high-performance networking.

PCIe 8.0 introduces improvements in signal integrity, low-latency forward error correction (FEC), and emerging connector technologies to ensure stability at ultra-high speeds. The standard remains fully backward compatible, easing the transition for data center operators, OEMs, and system integrators. PCIe 8.0 will be crucial for future AI training systems, HPC clusters, and military-grade platforms, which demand minimal latency and massive I/O throughput.

With PCIe 6.0 just starting to roll out in server products and PCIe 7.0 in early development, PCIe 8.0 is a forward-looking specification that cements the PCI-SIG’s role in powering next-generation compute infrastructure.

Source: PCI-SIG

ASUS Debuts RT-BE58 Go: A CES-Winning Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router

ASUS has launched the RT-BE58 Go, a compact Wi-Fi 7 travel router designed for hybrid workers and mobile professionals. With tri-band Wi-Fi 7 speeds up to 3600 Mbps, support for 4K-QAM, Multi-Link Operation, and dual-band MLO, the router delivers high-speed, low-latency performance ideal for 8K streaming, video calls, and mobile workstations.

This CES 2025 and Red Dot Design award-winning device supports three operating modes: traditional wireless, USB tethering, and secure WISP hotspot mode for public Wi-Fi access. It also features AiProtection security, VPN support, and Guest Network Pro, making it a robust choice for small offices and on-the-go setups. With support for ASUS AiMesh, users can integrate the RT-BE58 Go into a larger home network, extending coverage under a unified SSID.

Its compact design, feature set, and mesh integration make it a top-tier portable router for modern digital lifestyles and small workspaces.

Source: ASUS

UCIe Consortium Releases UCIe 3.0 with 64 GT/s and Enhanced Chiplet Management

The Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) Consortium has released UCIe 3.0, a major update to the open chiplet interface standard. It delivers support for 64 GT/s data rates—doubling the performance of UCIe 2.0—and adds multiple manageability enhancements including early firmware download, runtime recalibration, and priority sideband packets.

UCIe 3.0 is designed for modular semiconductor packaging, allowing chipmakers to mix and match logic, memory, and accelerator dies from different vendors while maintaining high bandwidth and low latency. With support for extended sideband channels, emergency shutdowns, and fast throttle mechanisms, the standard addresses both system reliability and power optimization for AI, networking, and HPC systems.

The 3.0 update positions UCIe as a foundational standard for the coming wave of System-in-Package (SiP) designs, ensuring scalability and compatibility across chiplet-based ecosystems.

Source: UCIe Consortium

Microchip Launches Adaptec SmartRAID 4300: Scalable NVMe RAID for AI Servers

Microchip has launched the Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 series, a next-generation NVMe RAID accelerator tailored for AI data centers, storage OEMs, and hyperscale enterprises. This PCIe-based solution separates the traditional RAID data flow by offloading parity operations (XOR) to hardware while keeping I/O data paths direct from CPU to NVMe devices, maximizing throughput.

The SmartRAID 4300 supports up to 32 PCIe Gen4/Gen5 NVMe devices and 64 RAID arrays, and delivers up to 7x performance improvements over previous generations. It also includes enterprise-grade security features like hardware root-of-trust, secure boot, and Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) support. Integrated management tools include maxView Web GUI, ARCCONF CLI, and DMTF-compliant Redfish APIs, simplifying deployment and monitoring.

By decoupling RAID logic from traditional data bottlenecks, the 4300 series offers a software-defined storage solution that scales in lockstep with CPU and NVMe advancements, making it an ideal choice for modern AI and cloud infrastructure.

Source: Microchip

D-Link Reveals Wi-Fi 7 Router Lineup with AI Mesh and 5G Flexibility

D-Link has unveiled its Wi-Fi 7 router lineup, featuring the M95 Smart Mesh Router, R95 Smart Router, and G572 5G NR Router, all built to meet the demands of 8K streaming, AI-powered network management, and ultra-fast 5G connectivity. These devices support tri-band Wi-Fi 7 with 320 MHz bandwidth, Multi-Link Operation (MLO), and WPA3 encryption.

The M95 is designed for smart homes, offering AI-optimized mesh coverage and intelligent traffic steering. The R95 caters to gamers and professionals with customizable guest portals and high-performance wired ports. Meanwhile, the G572 brings 5G+Wi-Fi 7 integration for remote or underserved locations, ideal for mobile offices or homes without fiber.

All routers are managed via the AQUILA PRO AI app, enabling real-time diagnostics, usage insights, and seamless firmware updates. With sleek industrial design and award-winning performance, D-Link’s Wi-Fi 7 lineup pushes the envelope in both aesthetics and capability.

Source: D-Link

Icy Dock Introduces CP158: 4-Bay M.2 NVMe SSD to PCIe x16 Removable Rack Adapter

Icy Dock has unveiled the ToughArmor CP158, a 4-bay M.2 NVMe SSD enclosure designed for PCIe x16 slots, targeting power users, content creators, and enterprise workstations. Each of the four M.2 drives gets its own dedicated PCIe 4.0 x4 lane—ensuring maximum performance of up to 64 Gbps per drive without bandwidth sharing or bottlenecks.

The CP158 features removable trays, tool-less drive installation, and a compact mobile rack form factor. Designed to meet the needs of dense storage expansion and hot-swap scenarios, it’s ideal for video editing, AI inferencing, and fast-cache layers in local servers. Icy Dock includes active cooling with a large fan array and passive heatsinks per tray, protecting thermally sensitive Gen4 SSDs.

This solution bridges the gap between consumer NVMe speed and enterprise usability, giving PCIe lanes direct access to storage while maintaining serviceability.

Source: Icy Dock

XConn to Demo End-to-End PCIe Gen 6 Fabric at FMS 2025

XConn Technologies has announced it will demonstrate the industry’s first end-to-end PCIe Gen 6.0 switch fabric at Flash Memory Summit 2025. Their XC50256 switch supports up to 256 PCIe lanes, enabling multiple devices and hosts to communicate over a low-latency, high-bandwidth fabric for AI/ML, storage arrays, and cloud systems.

Unlike traditional point-to-point PCIe links, this fabric allows multiple root complexes and endpoints to share resources, ideal for multi-tenant server architectures and dynamic storage reconfiguration. Gen 6.0 offers up to 128 GT/s per lane, and XConn’s switch supports real-time traffic analytics, advanced load balancing, and hardware-level isolation.

This innovation is key to building disaggregated composable infrastructure, where compute and storage resources can be pooled and reassigned dynamically—crucial for hyperscale cloud platforms and next-gen NAS systems with shared NVMe storage.

Source: XConn

Phison and Supermicro Collaborate on AI-Centric NVMe Storage Platforms

Phison has partnered with Supermicro to develop AI-optimized NVMe storage systems built for hyperscale and enterprise workloads. These platforms integrate Phison’s X2 SSDs, which feature the E26 controller, with Supermicro’s high-density server enclosures, creating solutions capable of over 2PB of NVMe flash per chassis.

The key strength of this collaboration is extreme storage density with AI-ready throughput, particularly for edge inferencing, video analytics, and AI model training. These rackmount servers include options for PCIe Gen5 and Gen4 backplanes, with thermal design targeting 24/7 operation under heavy IO loads.

Phison’s enterprise firmware stack also supports Telemetry 2.0, providing predictive failure analytics and real-time health reporting, helping IT teams proactively manage hardware at scale. This partnership signals increasing convergence between SSD vendors and server manufacturers in building vertically integrated AI storage stacks.

Source: Phison

NVMe Express Updates Specification for Next-Gen Storage Requirements

The NVMe Express consortium has released a new revision of its standard, addressing demands from AI workloads, persistent memory, and large-scale virtualization. Key additions include Namespace Types support, allowing devices to present multiple storage modes (e.g., zoned vs traditional block), and extended I/O determinism—critical for predictable latency in real-time inference and low-latency cache layers.

The new spec also improves command set profiles and introduces refined error reporting, ensuring tighter integration with modern operating systems and hypervisors. NVMe-oF (over Fabrics) sees expanded support, with better mechanisms for multipath routing and host-based error correction.

As SSD vendors push into multi-petabyte capacities and AI inference performance, NVMe’s adaptability will determine its longevity as the dominant interface for both client and datacenter flash devices.

Source: NVM Express

WD Black SN8100 SSD Review Highlights Thermal Efficiency and PCIe Gen5 Speeds

Western Digital’s new WD Black SN8100 2TB SSD delivers PCIe Gen5 performance targeted at enthusiast desktops and workstations. In benchmark testing, the drive hit read speeds of up to 14 GB/s and sustained write speeds over 11 GB/s, while maintaining low operating temperatures thanks to its graphene and aluminum combo heatsink.

The SN8100 leverages BiCS6 TLC NAND and an in-house controller, offering impressive random IOPS performance and latency under 100μs in most workloads. In gaming, it reduces load times significantly in large, asset-heavy titles. Unlike many Gen5 drives that require active cooling, the SN8100 operates within spec using just passive solutions, making it ideal for small form factor (SFF) builds.

With firmware tuned for responsiveness, the SN8100 balances raw throughput with thermal and power efficiency, carving a niche in the high-end PCIe 5.0 SSD market.

Source: Western Digital

Silicon Motion Showcases MonTitan SM8366 Gen5 SSD Controller at FMS 2025

Silicon Motion has unveiled the MonTitan SM8366, its flagship PCIe Gen5 NVMe SSD controller, at Flash Memory Summit 2025. Supporting 8 channels and optimized for TLC and QLC NAND, the SM8366 is built for high-capacity enterprise SSDs exceeding 30 TB with sequential speeds up to 14 GB/s and up to 3 million IOPS.

Target use cases include data centers, AI/ML applications, and cloud-native workloads that demand low latency and energy-efficient performance. The controller features SR-IOV support, end-to-end data path protection, programmable firmware architecture, and compatibility with both E1.S and U.2 form factors. Notably, it also includes telemetry and predictive maintenance support through NVMe MI (Management Interface).

This controller underpins the next generation of SSDs expected from top-tier OEMs later in 2025 and 2026. It allows drive makers to scale up capacity while retaining enterprise-grade endurance and QoS consistency.

Source: Silicon Motion

Kioxia Debuts Industry’s First 245.76TB SSD at Flash Memory Summit 2025

Kioxia has revealed the world’s first 245.76TB SSD, shattering existing density records for flash storage. The drive uses QLC NAND and a proprietary controller, built in E3.S 2T form factor—ideal for cloud-scale hyperscaler deployments and archival workloads.

Designed for read-intensive environments, the SSD leverages ZNS (Zoned Namespace) and NVMe 2.0 features to maximize endurance while reducing write amplification. Despite its size, it boasts a single-controller design with power-loss protection, data path validation, and optional TCG encryption.

Kioxia’s launch demonstrates the rapid maturation of QLC NAND in ultra-high capacity drives, previously only considered for cold data. These SSDs are aimed at replacing entire racks of HDDs in AI data lakes, cold storage, and backup infrastructures, drastically reducing physical space and power requirements.

Source: Kioxia

Proxmox Releases Backup Server 4.0 with Native S3 Support and RAIDz Expansion

Proxmox Backup Server 4.0 has officially launched, bringing long-awaited native S3-compatible object storage integration and support for live RAIDz expansion. These features empower users to scale on-premise or hybrid storage pools with flexibility, while backing up VMs, containers, and physical machines directly to cloud or S3-compatible platforms like MinIO, Wasabi, or Backblaze B2.

The update introduces snapshot pruning improvements, performance graphs per datastore, and better visibility of prune/GC operations via the WebUI. RAIDz expansion is a game-changer—especially in ZFS-based environments—allowing users to add new drives to existing pools without destruction.

Built with a Rust-powered backend and full integration with Proxmox VE 9.0, this release strengthens the company’s vision of a seamless, open-source enterprise backup ecosystem.

Source: Proxmox

Proxmox VE 9.0 Brings Kernel 6.8, Enhanced Storage Stacks, and Mobility Upgrades

Proxmox Virtual Environment (VE) 9.0 is now available, based on Debian Bookworm with the Linux 6.8 kernel, and introduces numerous enhancements to storage, networking, and virtualization stacks. Notable features include full encryption for ZFS datasets, support for SMB3 multichannel, and improvements to VirtIO and QEMU for Windows VM performance.

The update also adds offline migrations for VMs, allowing greater mobility and failover options between clusters. A revamped installer enables systemd-boot configuration and new installation modes for UEFI systems. Users can also now configure dynamic network adapters via GUI for bonded or bridged interfaces with VLANs.

This release solidifies Proxmox VE as a robust, open-source alternative to VMware and Hyper-V, with enterprise-grade tools for managing mixed workloads, HA clusters, and backup pipelines.

Source: Proxmox

QNAP and ULINK Upgrade DA Drive Analyzer with AI Engine for Predictive Accuracy

QNAP, in partnership with ULINK Technology, has launched a major upgrade to its DA Drive Analyzer, now powered by a new AI engine with enhanced deep learning capabilities. The updated tool improves drive health prediction accuracy, allowing NAS users to proactively identify disks likely to fail within 180 days based on SMART data, usage trends, and environmental inputs.

This marks the first public implementation of ULINK’s AI-Enhanced Predictive Analysis Engine (EPAE), tuned specifically for NAS environments with varied workloads. The DA Drive Analyzer also introduces reliability scoring, and visualizes trends over time via a new dashboard in QTS and QuTS Hero systems.

As storage capacities climb past 20TB per drive and rebuild times stretch, early warnings like this become mission-critical. QNAP’s focus on preemptive analytics aligns with broader trends in self-healing IT infrastructure and automated storage optimization.

Source: QNAP

U.S. Imposes 100% Tariff on Chinese Semiconductors, TSMC Exempt

The United States Trade Representative (USTR) has finalized a 100% tariff on Chinese-manufactured semiconductors, effective Q4 2025, in a move aimed at accelerating domestic chip production. TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) and other Taiwan-based firms are exempt from this tariff, following strategic negotiations between Washington and Taipei.

The new trade rule is expected to impact manufacturers such as YMTC, SMIC, and lower-tier packaging houses shipping DRAM, NAND, and SoCs to the U.S. Consumer electronics, networking gear, and surveillance systems dependent on low-cost SoCs could see cost increases, while U.S.-based fabs like Intel, Micron, and GlobalFoundries stand to benefit.

This protectionist policy aligns with the CHIPS Act incentives and reinforces the U.S. commitment to reducing supply chain reliance on mainland China. It also reflects geopolitical shifts that are already reshaping the global semiconductor landscape.

Source: USTR

TP-Link Launches Its First Wi-Fi 7 Travel Router: Archer Air R5 Goes Portable

TP-Link has officially entered the Wi-Fi 7 travel router space with the introduction of the Archer Air R5, a compact, high-performance router built for mobile professionals and travelers. Featuring tri-band Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) capabilities, including support for 320 MHz channels and Multi-Link Operation (MLO), the Archer Air R5 promises ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity in a portable form factor. Its sleek design is complemented by robust technical specs, such as 2.5GbE wired connectivity, USB-C power delivery, and seamless compatibility with TP-Link’s Deco Mesh ecosystem.

One of the router’s standout features is its AI-driven optimization, which continuously adjusts network parameters based on real-time environmental feedback—ideal for users in hotels, shared spaces, or temporary work setups. The device also includes support for EasyMesh, WPA3 encryption, and TP-Link’s HomeShield security suite, offering threat detection, parental controls, and QoS configuration. The Archer Air R5 is positioned to compete with ASUS and D-Link’s portable offerings but maintains a distinctive balance of size, features, and smart integration.

With Wi-Fi 7 slowly becoming standard in mobile devices, TP-Link’s move into this segment ensures high-speed, travel-friendly connectivity in the post-gigabit era.

Source: TP-Link

Micron Germany Debuts PCIe 6.0 Enterprise SSDs at FMS 2025: 28 GB/s, 512 TB Capacity on Horizon

Micron has previewed a groundbreaking enterprise SSD lineup featuring PCIe 6.0 support during the Flash Memory Summit 2025, as reported by Golem.de. The drives—still under wraps in terms of model names—are aimed at next-generation AI servers, hyperscale cloud environments, and data-intensive workloads. The new SSDs deliver up to 28 GB/s in sequential throughput and 7 million IOPS, with maximum capacities projected to hit 512 TB per device.

While these specs align with Micron’s broader roadmap (including its 6950 series), this German-focused report highlights additional insights into Micron’s R&D direction, such as thermal scalability, controller optimization, and end-to-end platform integration. These SSDs use advanced 3D TLC NAND and leverage proprietary firmware tuned for PCIe 6.0’s increased lane bandwidth and low latency. The devices are expected to support E3.S and E1.S form factors, and early engineering samples are being evaluated by select cloud providers in Europe.

This release positions Micron among the first wave of PCIe 6.0 SSD vendors, targeting the AI infrastructure boom and setting the stage for exabyte-scale storage in 2026.

Source: Micron

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